Easy Grip bag gripping device

ABSTRACT

This device provides a simple,adaptable, reusible means of gripping a variety of bags, that is, bags of variable materials,variable contents, variable sizes, and variable weights; and may be used by two persons for lifting a single bag 
     It is comprised of two handles with a rope threaded through the two handles to form a closed loop. It works by positioning the loop around a bag lieing flat with the handles at the bag end, pulling the rope under the corners of the bag, and lifting the handles. 
     The lifting force positions the rope under the bag,thereby providing the lifter a substantial and convienient method of gripping the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This device provides a safe and secure means of gripping and holding a large variety of bags containing various products.

The device is comprised of two handles (wood, plastic, or other) which may be in cross section, round, square, ovate, or a combination of these shapes and approximately five inches in length. The handles are pierced with two parallel holes four inches apart, equidistant from the ends. These holes are of a diameter to allow passage of a rope and provide a small clearance to prevent binding. Further this device consists of small diameter rope (appx. ¼ inch in diameter), and at least four times the length of the bag to be handled.

In construction, the rope is passed through one hole of one handle, subsequently through one hole of the second handle, then through the second hole of second handle in the opposite direction and lastly through the second hole of the first handle. The rope ends should now have a simple tight knot tied in each to prevent the rope from withdrawing from the handle. The rope should be a minimum length of at least 4 times the length of the bags anticipated for gripping.

In configuration for lifting, the handle furthest from the rope ends should be near the center of the rope,with the rope drawn snug against the handle. The length of the loop between handles should be six to eight inches longer than the length of the bag to be gripped. This length should be maintained by extra knots in the trailing ends of the rope, said knots bearing against the handle A figure eight or other easily loosened knot will suffice.

In use the previously described (under heading in configuration) assembled bag grip should be placed atop the bag to be lifted with the handles extending beyond the bag ends equally (3 to 4 inches each end). Pull the sides of the loop to the sides of the bag and drop to the lower side of the bag. At the bag corners, push the rope under each of the four bag comers. Grip the handles and lift. Note: for heavy bags, two persons may lift at opposite ends.

Illustrated drawing parts list.

Drawing A: 1.Rope: Diameter, 3/16 inch to ¼ inch. Must have tensile strength equal to at least double the weight of the bag to be lifted.

2. Handles: (2 required) ⅞ inch or greater in diameter. Distance between holes 4 inches to 6 inches. Holes must be slightly larger than rope diameter to allow easy passage.

Drawing B: Illustrates methodology of lifting action. 

1. This device provides a convenient and secure means for gripping and supporting various bags for lifting.
 2. This device is easily adjustable for a large variety of bag sizes.
 3. This device will perform satisfactorily on many bagged materials.
 4. This device is easily removed for re-use.
 5. The positioning of the rope sling, minimally engaged under the edges and corners of the bag, will remain engaged during lifting due to the direction of tension forces. The rope tension supplied by the lifting force has a residual component radiating inward along the length of the rope thereby supplying the forces required to maintain the rope in position under the bag. 